In a heartfelt ceremony hosted by Mariatu Sesay, the CEO of Kadiatu A Mother’s Love Foundation, the tireless dedication of volunteers and leaders from two of Sierra Leone’s most impactful charity organizations was celebrated. The event honored the invaluable contributions of the Sick Pikin Project and Social Workers Sierra Leone, acknowledging the critical role they play in community service across the country.
Mariatu Sesay, a passionate advocate for social change, expressed her profound admiration for the leadership and commitment demonstrated by Ishmeal Alfred Charles and Hassan Koroma, the leaders of these organizations. “I am truly impressed with the dedication these gentlemen show in their work,” Mariatu Sesay remarked, her voice filled with sincerity. “They are not only devoted to their respective missions but also provide invaluable support to my organization.”
The ceremony, which brought together volunteers and key figures from both organizations, served as an important occasion to honor the selfless individuals who devote their time and energy to improving the lives of those in need. While acknowledging her own efforts from afar, Mariatu Sesay emphasized how the collaboration with these groups has played a crucial role in advancing the mission of her Foundation. “The partnership and collaboration we share are remarkable and I am delighted to be part of it,” she noted, recognizing the essential role these alliances have played in furthering the Foundation’s work.
Kadiatu A Mother’s Love Foundation is dedicated to creating a lasting, positive impact within the community and Mariatu Sesay firmly believes in the importance of recognizing leadership that drives these efforts. “The leadership of Ishmeal Alfred Charles and Hassan Koroma has made a significant difference and it is important to recognize their efforts and say thank you in this special way,” she explained, acknowledging that the work of these men has not only benefitted their respective organizations but has also advanced the Foundation’s own initiatives.
While the event was a celebration of individual leadership, it also underscored the wider importance of community collaboration in tackling the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Sierra Leone. By coming together, local organizations, volunteers and leaders have formed a network of support that provides essential services to those who need it most. “My Foundation is deeply thankful for their service. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve,” Mariatu Sesay concluded, expressing her heartfelt appreciation for those who make the Foundation’s mission possible.
The recognition of these community heroes stands as a testament to the power of partnership, teamwork and collective action in improving the lives of the most vulnerable in Sierra Leone. Through their continued dedication and collaboration, they have set an example for all to follow, inspiring a future where communities rise together to meet the needs of their people.
Although a lot has been done to develop and adopt this policy, it is worth emphasizing that an adopted policy is merely a piece of paper if the provisions and guidelines are not domesticated and implemented as expected. I therefore recommend this policy to all relevant AU Member States and wish them success in its effective implementation.” These were the words of H.E. Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Political Affairs African Union Commission Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Ambassador referred to the African Union—Transitional Justice Policy (AU-TJP).
In 2019, the African Union adopted the African Union—Transitional Justice Policy (AU-TJP). The African Union (AU) Panel of the Wise, one of the AU Peace and Security Council pillars, embarked on research and produced a report titled “Non-Impunity, Truth, Peace, Justice, and Reconciliation in Africa: Opportunities and Constraints.”
According to the AU-TJP document, the findings indicate that Africa has varied experiences in transitional justice (TJ). Still, no comprehensive policy framework was developed to guide and promote experience sharing among Member States. Based on this, the report proposed developing a policy on TJ for adoption by the relevant AU organs.
It also recommended an advocacy role for the Panel of the Wise to effectively promote and reinforce guiding principles on the rule of law and TJ across the continent. Upon approval of the Panel of the Wise report and its recommendations, the AU policy-making organs mandated the AU Commission (AUC), through the Department of Political Affairs, to work with all stakeholders, particularly AU Member States and members of the Human Rights and Transitional Justice Cluster of the African Governance Architecture (AGA), to develop the TJ policy. The policy is a dream come true as a guide to AU Member States needing TJ interventions.
The AU-TJP serves as a continental framework for developing comprehensive policies, strategies, and programs tailored to the specific context of individual AU Member States. These programs are intended to promote democratic and socio-economic transformation and sustainable peace, justice, reconciliation, social cohesion, and healing. African societies confront unique obstacles in pursuing these goals because of their history of violent conflicts and systematic or egregious violations of human and peoples’ rights. The policy is designed to help AU Member States achieve these goals in a sustainable and integrated way.
The AU-TJP broadens the definition and elements of the term Transitional Justice (TJ) by describing it as the range of institutional mechanisms and policy measures—whether formal, traditional, or non-formal—that societies adopt through inclusive consultative processes to address historical injustices, divides, and inequalities and to establish the conditions necessary for security as well as democratic and socio-economic transformation. The goal of transitional justice is to support societies that have experienced violent wars in the past and systematic or flagrant human and people rights abuses as they work toward a future of justice, equality, and dignity.
Following an 11-year civil war, Sierra Leone became the first country to employ two forms of transitional justice. In July 2002, the Residual Special Court and the Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) were established. In the twenty-plus years since the end of the war, the nation has remained largely calm, though there had recently been political unrest in several towns and cities.
The TRC report has recommendations that have yet to be implemented by the government and other stakeholders. The report needs more public awareness, especially since most of its findings on the war have been envisaged in communities recently. Additionally, the Tripartite Committee report on the outcome of the 2023 elections also showed lapses and contains various recommendations that, if fully implemented, would greatly benefit the country.
In Sierra Leone, the TJP’s peacebuilding component was pursued through peace agreements and talks, which are expected to incorporate TJ concerns into account from the start of any mediation or negotiating process. Stakeholders must, therefore, ensure that TJ considerations have a beneficial impact on resolving all conflict aspects. They should be included in peace processes’ agenda items. The AU-TJP’s peace process component aims to stop current violence and eliminate any danger that will worsen the situation. It includes assurances of security and protection for citizens living in areas afflicted by conflict or violence, particularly those that are particular to the security requirements of women, children, and other disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.
Without question, Sierra Leone has used a variety of transitional justice processes to address the consequences of its devastating 11-year civil war, and it has achieved substantial progress. The TRC was founded to record violations of human rights and foster healing. It also offered a forum for offenders and victims to discuss their experiences. Nevertheless, not all of its proposals have been put into practice. The primary prosecutorial authority for war crimes in Sierra Leone is the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL). Although it succeeded in convicting many well-known individuals, it was criticised for being led from the outside and not entirely in line with local requirements. Programs for reparations intended to make up for victims have been severely restricted in scope and finance, leaving many survivors nationwide without sufficient long-term support.
The AU-TJP offers adaptable and flexible principles, policy parameters, and strategic frameworks to the AU Member States, non-state actors, and other stakeholders in the field of TJ. These will aid in the planning and executing transformational TJ programs, consolidate peace during the emergency/transition phase, and increase the likelihood of successful long-term sustainable development in Sierra Leone. The fundamental minimum values and standards that guide behaviour throughout all TJ processes form the foundation of the AU-TJP. These guidelines, which form the basis of the TJP’s justification, will guarantee that TJ initiatives tackle the underlying causes of conflict and work to establish lasting peace, social justice, accountability, and transformative democratic and socio-economic change.
From 2019 to date, some work has been done in Sierra Leone on the AU-TJP. But that is far from what is expected. The current state of the AU-TJP in Sierra Leone arguably sits well with Ambassador Cessouma’s fears expressed over four years ago that “an adopted policy is merely a piece of paper if the provisions and guidelines are not domesticated and implemented as expected.”
Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) has produced a simplified version of the AUTJP, organized regional workshops to raise awareness of the policy, and held meetings with key actors, such as the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone and the former Minister of State, Professor John Francis. CGG also organized an annual TJ Dialogue, which was also used as a forum to popularize the AUTJP. In one of the engagements in 2021, CGG and the African Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF) hosted a Reflection Dialogue with other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the media, representatives of political parties and key Stakeholders at Raddison Blu, Hotel in Freetown.
The Reflection Dialogue created an opportunity to share with colleagues from Liberia and Cote D’Ivoire in the presence of moral guarantors like the UNDP and Inter-Religious Council, whilst the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) and the Residual Court of the Special Court of Sierra Leone gave insights on the status of Transitional Justice mechanisms in Sierra Leone. The Minister of Political and Public Affairs gave the keynote address and reiterated the GOSL’s commitment to national cohesion, peace, respect for human rights and good governance. It was the collective view of participants to push for the domestication of the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP) to complement the gains already made in the country.
Sierra Leone must live up to the commitment of domesticating the AU-TJP so that the policy does not fit into the description of it being “merely a piece of paper” owing to the lack of domesticating and implementing the provisions and guidelines in the document.
The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, on Monday, January 27, 2025, officially launched Orange Foundation Sierra Leone’s Orange Digital School Kits initiative. The event held at the Ansarul Islamic Primary School for Girls in Kono District, her alma mater, was a significant step toward enhancing the digital learning experience for young pupils in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, alongside Orange Sierra Leone CEO, Sekou Amadou Bah, ceremoniously handed over a comprehensive set of digital school kits to the school. The donation aims to foster technological literacy and equip pupils with critical skills to thrive in a digital era.
The ceremony, hosted in the school hall, attracted high-profile attendees, including the Mayor of Koidu City, Komba Mathew Sam, Orange Sierra Leone General Secretary, Danetta Younge; Head of Orange Digital Centre, Finnah Mariama Stevens as well as school authorities, community stakeholders and local residents.
The donated digital kits comprised cutting-edge tools such as tablets, Raspberry Pi devices, laptops, Bluetooth speakers, projectors, screens, headsets, extension cables, power banks and solar panels. These resources are tailored to enhance digital literacy, providing students with access to a tech-driven education.
In her remarks, Finnah Mariama Stevens emphasized the need for technological tools to drive innovation and bridge the digital divide. “From Freetown to Bo, Kenema, Kailahun, Pujehun and now Kono, the Orange Foundation is ensuring that every child in Sierra Leone has access to the technological tools essential for today’s world,” she said. She underscored Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to the Government’s human capital development agenda and its focus on empowering young girls through access to digital resources.
Addressing the gathering, Sekou Amadou Bah, CEO of Orange Sierra Leone underscored the transformative potential of the Digital School Kits in promoting education and empowering pupils through technology.
“These kits are electronic libraries designed to provide educational content to schools with limited or no internet access,” he noted. “Currently, 16 countries, including Sierra Leone, have benefited from this program, with 1,400 schools and 500,000 pupils gaining access to digital education tools.”
Over the past three years, Orange Sierra Leone has donated 35 Digital School Kits, impacting over 10,000 pupils nationwide. The initiative also offers schools the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Wiki Challenge, an international competition organized by Orange Group. Last year, a Sierra Leonean school, Dele Preparatory School, won a €5,000 prize for their article on “Krio Print Dress.”
Sekou Amadou Bah urged pupils and teachers to handle the equipment with care and fully utilize them to enhance learning. “With technology, we can expand our horizons and enable new ways of easy learning. These tools are not just about access but about empowering young minds to explore and innovate,” he stated.
He reaffirmed Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to supporting the Government’s human capital development agenda through initiatives that align with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for the country.
His Worship, Mayor Komba Mathew Sam, expressed his gratitude to Orange Sierra Leone for selecting the Ansarul Islamic Primary School for Girls as a beneficiary of the initiative. He praised Orange Sierra Leone for bringing such innovative resources to his district and urged the school to utilize the digital kits to their fullest potential.
Reflecting on his own educational journey, Mayor Komba Mathew Sam stated, “During my school days, I did not have the privilege of learning about computers until my college years. These young girls are fortunate to have this opportunity at such an early stage and I hope they make the most of it.”
Headmistress Zainab Bah also commended the Orange Foundation for their generosity and expressed appreciation to Dr. Fatima Maada Bio for gracing the event. “We are committed to making the most of these resources to enhance our pupils’ learning experience and ensure their sustainability,” she assured.
In her keynote address, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio commended Orange Foundation Sierra Leone for its commitment to empowering education and emphasized the importance of equipping pupils with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital age. The initiative underscores the collaborative efforts to bridge the digital divide and promote educational development across the nation.
The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, expressed deep gratitude to her former school, crediting it for shaping her into the woman she is today. Dr. Fatima Bio highlighted the importance of technology in modern education, emphasizing that the digital kits would provide the pupils access to the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven world.
She encouraged the pupils to aspire beyond societal expectations, urging them to embrace science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses to position themselves as leaders in Sierra Leone and beyond. The First Lady underscored the importance of breaking barriers, discouraging early marriages and striving for careers in leadership and innovation.
She urged the school to make effective use of the digital kits, emphasizing the importance of embracing technology in an increasingly digital world. “Today, let us celebrate Orange. I want all the pupils here to stand up and say, ‘Thank you, Orange.’ We promise to make good use of this facility and this opportunity.
She also expressed her gratitude to Orange Sierra Leone for the digital school kits, praising their efforts to empower girls across the country. “May God bless Orange Sierra Leone, elevate them and help them grow from strength to strength,” she concluded.
The event concluded with the formal handover of the Digital School Kits to the school administration, symbolizing a new chapter in the pupils’ education journey. This initiative is expected to inspire a brighter future through the integration of technology into learning, paving the way for innovation and progress in Sierra Leone.
The High Commission of India in Sierra Leone commemorated the 76th Republic Day of India with a vibrant series of events on Sunday, January 26, 2025. The celebration included a Flag Unfurling Ceremony at the Chancery premises in the morning and a Reception at Mamba Point, Lagoonda, Aberdeen, Freetown, in the evening.
At the Reception, the Indian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, H.E. Baisnab Charan Pradhan, reaffirmed India’s commitment to fostering education and capacity-building in Sierra Leone. He highlighted India’s ongoing support through programs such as the ITEC & ICCR scholarships, the Pan-African Tele-Education/e-VidyaBharati initiative and the establishment of a Learning Center at Fourah Bay College.
High Commissioner Baisnab Charan Pradhan underscored the strong partnership between India and Sierra Leone, which is built on mutual respect and shared goals. He revealed that over 300 Sierra Leonean Government officials have benefited from ITEC programs and around 100 students have pursued higher education in India through ICCR scholarships.
He stated, “Our development cooperation with Sierra Leone, through Lines of Credit, aggregates to $250 million, with $100 million worth of projects already completed.” These projects include various infrastructure initiatives, such as the ongoing construction of the University of Science and Technology in Koidu, irrigation development in Tomabum and the expansion of potable water facilities in key communities, he further revealed.
Additionally, High Commissioner Baisnab Charan Pradhan announced India’s recent grant of $990,000 under the India-UN Development Fund for the project, “Enabling Economic Independence for Specifically Abled Persons in Sierra Leone (Persons with Disabilities).” He also praised the Indian diaspora in Sierra Leone for their contributions to trade, manufacturing, healthcare and education, which have significantly bolstered the nation’s socio-economic fabric.
The High Commissioner noted that India and Sierra Leone share common challenges, such as achieving sustainable development and addressing climate change. He expressed India’s readiness to collaborate with Sierra Leone to turn these challenges into opportunities by leveraging technological advancements and experience.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Madam Francess Alghali, extended her gratitude to India and the Indian community for their unwavering support to Sierra Leone. She recalled India’s pivotal role in ending Sierra Leone’s civil war through its substantial contribution to the UN peacekeeping force (UNAMSIL), including the leadership of General Vijay Kumar Jetly.
She noted India’s sustained support for Sierra Leone’s development priorities, particularly in healthcare, information technology and education. India’s assistance has also extended to trade, with Sierra Leone benefiting from imports of pharmaceuticals, plastics, rice, vehicles and industrial machinery, she furthered.
“The Republic of India has been a steadfast and reliable partner for Sierra Leone,” Madam Francess Alghali stated, reaffirming the robust ties between the two nations.
Earlier in the day, High Commissioner Pradhan ceremoniously unfurled the Indian National Flag at the Chancery premises, followed by the reading of the President of India’s address. The speech emphasized India’s progress and vision for the future.
The evening celebration featured cultural performances by members of the Indian diaspora, including children, showcasing India’s rich diversity. The Brahmakumari Sisters delivered a special address on peace and harmony, adding a spiritual dimension to the event.
Certificates of Achievement were awarded to the top 50 participants from Sierra Leone in the 5th Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, recognizing their enthusiasm for India’s heritage.
The event concluded with over 170 attendees, including members of the Indian community and friends of India, celebrating the day with unity and collaboration. The festivities highlighted the enduring partnership and shared growth between India and Sierra Leone.
Geared toward demonstrating international solidarity and shared faith, Caritas Málaga and Caritas Freetown have joined forces under the auspices of the Catholic Church, with a mutual dedication to serving communities in need. Their collaboration is a shining example of how the teachings of faith can translate into tangible support, transforming lives and advancing healthcare efforts across Sierra Leone.
A key milestone in this partnership was the generous donation of thermometers from Caritas Málaga to Caritas Freetown. This act of kindness has proven to be invaluable, especially in a country where healthcare resources are often stretched thin. The thermometers were transported to Freetown and distributed across six key healthcare facilities in both urban and rural areas of the Western region, significantly enhancing the capacity of local health workers to monitor patient health. Additionally, some thermometers were dispatched to provincial districts outside of Freetown, ensuring that even more communities could benefit from this essential support.
The healthcare facilities that received these thermometers are vital pillars of primary healthcare in Sierra Leone. Among them were Holy Spirit Hospital in Makeni, Loretta Clinic in Makeni, Christ the King Hospital in Waterloo, Saint Anthony’s Clinic in Freetown, Stella Marie’s Clinic in Juba and Dan Sullivan Clinic in Newton. These clinics serve a wide range of vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children, who are among the most at-risk groups in the country. The healthcare workers at these facilities have expressed deep gratitude for the thermometers, noting their importance in monitoring patient health, particularly in preventing and managing the high rates of maternal and infant mortality.
In a nation where the healthcare system faces significant challenges such as limited access to medical supplies and a shortage of trained healthcare professionals every piece of equipment becomes crucial in the ongoing battle to improve health outcomes. The thermometers, now in use across these healthcare centers, have allowed the medical staff to better track patients’ conditions, thereby improving the quality of care provided. For many, this small yet critical donation has made a world of difference in their ability to respond effectively to health crises and provide life-saving treatment.
This collaboration between Caritas Freetown and Caritas Málaga underscores the importance of partnerships in addressing global healthcare challenges. The feedback from healthcare providers has been overwhelmingly positive, with staff members noting that the thermometers have enabled them to provide more accurate care, ensuring that even the most vulnerable members of society receive the attention they need. The partnership has not only improved healthcare delivery but has also fostered a spirit of hope and solidarity within the communities served.
As the initiative progresses, Caritas Freetown has expressed its eagerness for continued collaboration with Caritas Málaga, recognizing the immense value of sustained engagement and support. Both organizations are committed to working together to expand the reach of their efforts, ultimately aiming to enhance healthcare systems and improve the lives of Sierra Leone’s most underserved populations.
The partnership between Caritas Málaga and Caritas Freetown is a testament to the power of unity in addressing complex global issues. The team at Caritas Freetown extends its heartfelt gratitude to Caritas Málaga for their generosity and dedication. This collaboration has had a profound and positive impact on the healthcare facilities and their patients and as they look to the future, the healthcare providers are hopeful that this partnership will continue to flourish, further improving health outcomes and contributing to the well-being of their communities.
As we look back on the administration of Donald Trump, one cannot help but notice the profound and often polarizing impact his executive orders, memoranda and proclamations have had on the fabric of American society. With 42 significant actions that spanned a range of issues, from immigration to environmental policy, the implications of these decisions are still being felt today. However, the ripple effects of these policies extend beyond U.S. borders, particularly affecting Africa in various ways.
At the heart of Trump’s executive actions was a clear desire to reshape the American landscape according to a specific ideological vision. Many of these orders, such as the declaration of a national emergency at the southern border and the reinstatement of the “Muslim Ban,” reflected a hardline stance on immigration that resonated with a segment of the American populace. However, they also sowed discord and division, leading to heightened tensions within communities and families. For African nations, the implications were significant. Many African immigrants faced increased scrutiny and uncertainty, impacting their ability to seek refuge or opportunity in the U.S. Such policies contributed to a narrative that marginalized African nations and their citizens, affecting diplomatic relations and perceptions of the U.S. on the continent.
Moreover, Trump’s approach to social issues, particularly regarding gender and LGBTQ+ rights, has left an indelible mark. Policies that banned transgender individuals from military service and restricted transgender women from participating in women’s sports not only marginalized specific groups but also ignited a national conversation about gender identity and rights. In Africa, where discussions around gender and sexual orientation are often fraught with cultural and legal challenges, the U.S. stance under Trump may have emboldened conservative movements in some countries while simultaneously inspiring activists advocating for change.
Economically, Trump’s administration took bold steps that reflected a commitment to deregulation and a focus on traditional energy sources. While easing regulations on oil and gas production may have provided short-term economic benefits, the long-term implications for climate change and environmental degradation cannot be ignored. The withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement signaled a retreat from global leadership on one of the most pressing issues of our time. For African nations, many of which are already vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, this decision hindered collaborative efforts to address environmental challenges, such as droughts, floods and food insecurity. The absence of U.S. leadership in global climate initiatives may have stunted progress in securing international funding and support for sustainable development projects across the continent.
In the realm of international relations, Trump’s confrontational stance, exemplified by tariffs on imports and demands for increased NATO contributions, has strained relationships with allies and reshaped global trade dynamics. While some may argue that these policies were necessary to protect American interests, the potential for escalating tensions had broader implications for Africa. Many African economies rely on trade partnerships with the U.S. and the global market; thus, disruption in these relationships could hinder economic growth and development. Furthermore, the U.S‘s diminishing focus on Africa during Trump’s tenure may have opened the door for increased influence from other global powers, particularly China and Russia, who have been eager to expand their presence on the continent.
Perhaps one of the most significant aspects of Trump’s executive actions is their lasting legacy. The polarization they engendered has left a mark on American politics, influencing public discourse and shaping the agendas of both major political parties. The divide between those who supported Trump’s vision and those who opposed it has grown deeper, leaving a fragmented political landscape that challenges the very notion of unity. For African nations, this internal division in the U.S. may have complicated diplomatic relations, as leaders and policymakers grappled with an unpredictable ally.
As we move forward, it is crucial to reflect on the implications of these executive orders; not just as historical artifacts, but as living legacies that continue to shape our society and the global landscape. The challenge for future leaders will be to navigate the complexities of this divided landscape, seeking common ground while addressing the real and pressing issues that face not only the U.S. but also its relationships with countries around the world, particularly in Africa.
In conclusion, the executive orders signed by Donald Trump represent more than just policy decisions; they are a reflection of a broader ideological battle that continues to play out in American society and beyond. As we grapple with the consequences of these actions, it is essential to engage in meaningful dialogue, seek understanding and work toward a more inclusive and equitable future for all. The legacy of these orders serves as a reminder that the decisions made at the highest levels of Government have far-reaching effects and it is our responsibility to ensure that those effects lead us toward a more united and just global society; one that recognizes and values the voices and aspirations of all nations, including those in Africa.
In a major demonstration of its commitment to modernizing financial services and promoting national development, Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB) participated in the Bank of Sierra Leone’s National Payment Switch (NPS) sensitization float parade on Wednesday, January 21, 2025, in Bo and Kenema. The event aimed to raise public awareness about the transformative benefits of the NPS, a state-of-the-art financial infrastructure designed to enhance interoperability and streamline financial transactions in Sierra Leone.
Led by the Managing Director, Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin, alongside senior and junior staff members, the RCB delegation actively engaged with stakeholders, including financial institutions and mobile money operators, during the float parade. Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin emphasized the bank’s leadership in embracing innovative solutions to simplify banking and expand financial inclusion across the country.
“Our participation in this float parade underscores Rokel Commercial Bank’s dedication to making banking services accessible to all Sierra Leoneans, including those in remote and underserved communities. The National Payment Switch is a game-changer and we are proud to support its implementation,” Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin stated.
The NPS is set to revolutionize financial transactions in Sierra Leone by providing a seamless platform for interoperability between banks, mobile money services and other financial institutions. This system aligns with the Government’s broader agenda of modernizing the country’s financial sector and fostering economic growth.
In addition to its active involvement in the NPS sensitization, Rokel Commercial Bank showcased its commitment to education and human capital development by participating in the launch of Education Week on January 20, 2025, at the UNIMAK auditorium in Makeni. This event precedes the celebration of International Education Day on January 24, under the theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.”
The theme highlights the critical role of education in equipping individuals and communities to navigate and influence technological advancements. Rokel Commercial Bank’s presence at the event reflects its dedication to empowering Sierra Leoneans through education and digitalization.
“As a bank that prioritizes human capital development and innovation, we are honored to be part of this week-long celebration of education. We encourage students and the general public to visit our booth at the UNIMAK grounds to learn more about our products and services,” Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin added.
Rokel Commercial Bank’s active participation in these initiatives underscores its dual focus on financial inclusion and education as pivotal tools for national development. The bank continues to strengthen its role as a leader in Sierra Leone’s financial sector, driving innovation and creating opportunities for growth and empowerment.
The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) on January 23, 2025, hosted a landmark meeting with key institutions to address the identification, verification and registration of foreign nationals residing in Sierra Leone.
The meeting, held in Freetown, brought together prominent stakeholders, including the Office of National Security (ONS), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Immigration Department, Sierra Leone Police, Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Labour and the National Telecommunications Authority.
Discussions focused on addressing challenges in registering foreign nationals and developing strategies to streamline and harmonize the process for enhanced efficiency and accuracy.
Speaking at the event, NCRA’s Director-General, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, highlighted the critical importance of this initiative, underscoring its implications for national security, governance and international relations. He elaborated on three key areas of focus:
National Security:
Proper identification and registration of foreign nationals are essential for safeguarding national security. The process ensures that individuals entering and residing in Sierra Leone are vetted and documented, helping to mitigate risks such as illegal immigration, human trafficking and other security threats.
Data Collection for Policy Making:
The registration of foreign nationals provides the Government with vital data necessary for effective planning and policymaking. By law, the NCRA is mandated to register all individuals, including both citizens and non-citizens, living in Sierra Leone.
International Relations:
Accurate registration supports international cooperation by enabling efficient collaboration on matters such as extradition, repatriation and combating cross-border crime. This initiative fosters stronger diplomatic ties and positions Sierra Leone as a responsible global partner.
During the meeting, stakeholders pledged to work collaboratively to enhance the registration process and improve the quality and accuracy of data collected. Participating institutions reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Government’s vision, as spearheaded by the ONS and the National Security Coordinating Group (NSCCG).
The discussions laid the groundwork for strengthened inter-agency coordination, with the goal of ensuring that foreign nationals in Sierra Leone are properly identified, verified and registered.
This initiative is expected to reinforce national security, provide data-driven insights for policy formulation and elevate Sierra Leone’s standing in international relations, reflecting its dedication to global best practices in governance and security.
In a move to tackle the inconvenience of being cash-strapped during emergencies, Afrimoney, Sierra Leone’s fastest-growing mobile money platform, has introduced a groundbreaking service called “Sen fo Mi.” This latest addition to Afrimoney’s portfolio was launched on Thursday, January 22, 2025, promising to provide a swift and convenient solution for subscribers in urgent need of financial assistance.
The reality of being caught without cash can be distressing, whether it’s being unable to pay for medical treatment at a hospital, struggling to settle a fare in a “Kehkeh” (tricycle) or failing to recharge an EDSA electricity meter during a critical moment. These are everyday challenges many Sierra Leoneans face, but Afrimoney’s “Sen fo Mi” service offers a practical way to address such situations.
The service allows Afrimoney subscribers to request financial assistance from friends and family members with just a few simple steps. By dialing the short code 1611*3# from their Africell number, users can enter the phone number of the person they are requesting money from, specify the amount, state the reason for the request, input their PIN, and click “SEND.”
The recipient of the request has the option to accept and respond or decline, offering a safe and hassle-free way to provide or receive financial support during emergencies.
Speaking at the launch, Afrimoney’s Director of Marketing, John Konteh, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and improving the lives of its customers.
“We are dedicated to introducing products and services that not only enhance mobile money transactions but also foster a sense of community and improve the quality of life for our subscribers. With Afrimoney, we are shaping the future of mobile payments in Sierra Leone,” he said.
John Konteh further assured the public that Afrimoney will continue to revolutionize the mobile money landscape with cutting-edge solutions tailored to meet the needs of its growing customer base.
With the introduction of “Sen fo Mi,” Afrimoney reaffirms its position as a leader in mobile money innovation, providing Sierra Leoneans with a reliable tool to navigate financial emergencies and support one another when it matters most.
In a proactive effort to strengthen regulatory compliance within the nation’s growing betting sector, the National Revenue Authority (NRA) held a crucial meeting with representatives from major betting companies on Friday, January 24th, 2025, at Rensis House, located on 5 Gloucester Street, Freetown. The gathering was focused on addressing compliance issues and reviewing provisions in the Finance Acts of 2024 and 2025, which govern taxation and regulation within the betting industry.
Both Finance Acts highlight key measures aimed at regulating betting activities and ensuring tax obligations are met. The NRA has expressed concern over the rapid expansion of the betting sector, prompting the need for stricter enforcement to maintain accountability and transparency.
The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including the submission of Returns for Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Withholding Taxes, Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Excise Tax on Gaming and Betting. A critical point of discussion was the requirement for betting companies to link their systems with the NRA, ensuring the accurate disclosure of their activities and improving audit transparency.
Acting Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Department, James B. Tengbeh, emphasized the importance of compliance, underscoring the Government’s commitment to creating a transparent and accountable betting environment. “Our objective is to work collaboratively with industry stakeholders to ensure that all betting companies are fully compliant with the provisions of the Act,” James B. Tengbeh stated.
During the session, Deputy Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Department, Edwin Conteh, warned betting companies that the sector is under heightened scrutiny. He reiterated that non-compliant companies would face penalties as outlined in the Finance Act 2025.
Key representatives from prominent betting companies such as Mercury International, Global Online Betting, Elephant Bet SL Ltd., Grand Casino and Cheng Xing were present at the meeting. These representatives shared insights into the challenges their companies face in meeting compliance requirements. The dialogue provided an opportunity for the NRA to clarify key aspects of the law and offer guidance on best practices for industry players.
Ms. Martina B. Egbenda, Director of Legal and Corporate Services at the NRA, also reminded the attendees of the legal requirements surrounding data sharing, emphasizing that betting companies must adhere to these provisions to ensure compliance with the law.
As the meeting concluded, both the NRA and the betting companies expressed a commitment to ongoing collaboration. The session marks a significant step in the Government’s efforts to regulate the betting industry, ensuring that it operates within the established legal framework.
